Dripper Gripper

ABSTRACT

A water line support device includes a pair of stakes that extend perpendicularly downward from a horizontal support member and a plurality of water line retention mechanisms that may be positioned on the top or bottom side of the horizontal member. In simple form, the plurality of integral retention mechanisms have a recessed channel that is oriented parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the horizontal member. The horizontal member has a top side and a bottom side connected on opposite sides of a middle support such that the top side, middle support and bottom side form an I-beam configuration when viewed as a cross section of the horizontal member. The middle support can be reinforced or braced with diagonal supports that also are connected to and support the top side and the bottom side of the horizontal member. A logo can be added to the horizontal support member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of, and claims the benefit of priorityto, the U.S. Patent Application for “Dripper Gripper,” Ser. No.15/169,293, filed on May 31, 2016. That patent application is aconversion of, and claims the benefit of priority to, the U.S.Provisional Patent Application for “Dripper Gripper,” Ser. No.62/168,409, filed on May 29, 2015, and also is a conversion of, andclaims the benefit of priority to, the U.S. Provisional PatentApplication for “Dripper Gripper,” Ser. No. 62/292,780, filed on Feb. 8,2016. The three referenced applications are incorporated fully herein bythis reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an agricultural support device andsystem. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a waterline support device that is driven into the ground. The invention maysecurely retain water lines along the ground in an orderly fashion andresist unwanted rotation and tangling of water lines. Additionally, thewater line support device has a plurality of water line retentionmechanisms for retaining individual water lines therein, and a pair ofstakes that secure the device to the ground. The invention provides theusers with a superior means of retaining and supporting hose and waterlines.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a water line support device. In manyfarm, orchid, and agricultural estates, water and other fluids need tobe transported and delivered to plants and vegetation far from a watersource. Typically, hoses and water lines are utilized to deliver thewater from the source to sprinklers in the fields. The sprinklers thendisperse the water onto the desired area. Various water and hose lineretention devices can be used to organize and arrange the various lines.It is important to organize the hoses to ensure that the hoses are notdestroyed by tractors or other vehicles that my run over the hoses.Farmers often bury the hoses to keep them in place out of path of travelof tractors. However, the practice of burying the irrigation hoses oftenleads to damage from pests, such as gophers.

Over the years, there have been other variations of hose and water lineretention devices. Most commonly, these devices include a stake memberthat is driven into the ground, while at the same time is rigid andremovable. These devices generally comprise a rigid metal stake with asubstantially pointed end that is configured for insertion into theground, and which have a retention mechanism adapted to retain a waterline. These metal stakes are prone to failure from rust or metalfatigue.

Hose and water line retention devices are frequently inserted manuallyinto the ground with the stake end facing downwardly. The user may thenselectively insert a hose or water line within the retention mechanism.The hose and water lines are typically tubular, hollow, and flexiblecylinders that are adapted to transport and house fluid therein. Hosesand water lines may be attached to a water source, such as a spigot at afirst end, and to a dispensing apparatus, such as a sprinkler at thesecond end. The hose and water line retention devices are selectivelyplaced between the two ends to prevent them from twisting. The retentiondevices also enable a farmer to organize the lines in such a way as toensure that tractors and other vehicles do not unnecessarily run overand damage the water line. In addition, the retention devices enable afarmer to more precisely deliver the fluid contents to a desiredlocation, wasting less water in the process.

While these known prior art retention devices are a convenient way toretain hose and water lines, they do not work very well with certaingauge/capacity water lines because when large volumes of water flowthrough hoses, it exerts a force on the single stake retention devicethat may dislodge the hose from the device and/or remove the stake fromthe ground. Heretofore, various forms water line retention devices havebeen constructed with retention mechanisms and stakes. These prior artdevices are typically single stake devices with a single retentionmechanism located on the side or underside of the device. These devices,however, do not allow for multiple hose and water lines to beindividually secured within a plurality of retention mechanisms on thesame device.

Therefore, where there is a need to use multiple water lines, such as ina commercial orchard, the prior art retention devices lack the abilityto retain multiple lines within the same device. This in turn requiresinstallation of more retention devices and less organization. Anadditional shortcoming of the prior art is the relative location of theretention mechanism on the prior art devices, which are not in anoptimal location for retaining, securing, and changing a water line heldtherein.

In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a water linesupport device with multiple stakes capable of retaining multiple lineswithin the same device. It would be further advantageous to provide to awater line support device with an optimal location for securelyretaining a water line held therein while also facilitating easy removaland insertion of a water line in the water line support device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention offers a water line support device that includes apair of stakes that extend perpendicularly downward from a horizontalsupport member and a plurality of water line retention mechanisms. Theplurality of retention mechanisms may be positioned on the top side ofthe horizontal member. In simple form, the plurality of integralretention mechanisms have a recessed channel that is oriented parallelto the ground and perpendicular to the horizontal member.

The horizontal member has a top side and a bottom side connected onopposite sides of a middle support such that the top side, middlesupport and bottom side form an I-beam configuration when viewed as across section of the horizontal member. The middle support can bereinforced or braced with diagonal supports that also are connected toand support the top side and the bottom side of the horizontal member. Alogo can be added to the horizontal support member.

In an embodiment, the stakes are positioned with respect to one anotherso as to trifurcate the horizontal support member into three equalportions; a first third portion, a second third portion and a middlethird portion. The stakes have an elongated member with a substantiallypointed distal end that is adapted to penetrate and remain in theground. The stakes are connected to the bottom side of the horizontalmember, opposite the substantially pointed distal end of the elongatedmember. Stake flare supports can optionally be provided to connect theelongated body of the stakes and bottom side of the horizontal supportmember. The stakes may also be provided with a projected member thatruns along the length of the elongated member. In an embodiment, aprojected member can be provided on either side of the elongated membersuch that the two projected members coupled with the elongated memberform an “x” cross section in the stake. A striking surface texture isprovided on the top side of the horizontal support member opposite thestakes to enable a user to easily drive the stakes into the ground usinga foot or tool such as a hammer.

The integral retention mechanisms have a recessed channel that has ahollow partially complete circle within the middle support of thehorizontal member that has an entrance way through an aperture in thetop side of the horizontal member. Alternatively, or additionally, theintegral retention mechanisms may be formed on the bottom side of thehorizontal member. The entrance way has two curved members that arebiased towards each other. In use, a water line is deformed to pass thetwo curved members so as to rest in the recessed channel. As the waterline expands to its original circular geometry, it is retained in therecessed channel by the two curved members. In one embodiment, theintegral retention mechanisms are located within the first third portionand second third portion of the horizontal member.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention offers a water linesupport device that has two stakes connected together at a body with ahose or water line receiving aperture located in the body between thetwo stakes. The hose or water line receiving aperture has a reinforcedsurface. The top of the reinforced surface has a textured surface forstriking with a foot, hammer or other tool when driving the alternativewater line support device into the ground.

The stakes extend away from the body and are substantially parallel toone another to define a channel. The channel of the stakes has an inneredge formed with a reinforced rail that extends along the surface ofeach stake and also an interior wall of the aperture in the body. Thestakes are formed with pointed tips that enable the water support deviceto be easily driven into the ground when struck at the textured surface.

In use, the stakes are flexed at the body to an open position to enablea user to pass a water line or hose through the channel and into thehose or water line receiving aperture. The stakes then return to theiroriginal un-flexed position and retain the water line within the hose orwater line receiving aperture. The stakes are held in the originalun-flexed position when driven into the ground, thus securing the hoseor water line within the hose or water line receiving aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the hose and water line support device of thepresent invention showing the two separate stakes extending from thebody and having a point to facilitate positioning of the hose and waterline support device into the ground;

FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of the hose and water line supportdevice of the present invention showing a body having two stakes apartand extending perpendicular from the body and tapered to a point tofacilitate insertion of the hose and water line support device of thepresent invention into position on the ground, and also formed withmultiple hose-receiving apertures sized to securely receive a hose orwater line and maintain that hose or water line above the ground;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the hose and water line support device ofthe present invention showing a first hose being positioned above anintegral retention mechanism and showing a second hose within anintegral retention mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a first hose and water line support device anda second hose and water line support device and showing a hose securedin an integral retention mechanism in each device such that the hose isfirmly held above ground to enable an almond to pass freely beneath thehose;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention that includes a body formed with a hose or water linereceiving aperture;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5 andshowing stakes flexing at body to an open position to allow placement ofa hose into the aperture;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 5and 6 and showing the hose and water line support device secured in theground by its stakes and securely holding a hose within the aperture;and

FIG. 8 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the hose andwater line support device of the present invention having a body formedwith integral retention mechanisms formed on both the upper and lowerside of the body and showing a single stake extending from the body andhaving a point to facilitate positioning of the hose and water linesupport device into the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is shown a front view andlower perspective view of the hose and water line support device 100.The hose and water line support device 100 comprises a horizontalsupport member 102 having a top side 103 and a bottom side 105 connectedon opposite sides of a middle support 101 such that the top side 103,middle support 101 and bottom side 105 form a typical I-beamconfiguration. A first stake 104 and a second stake 106 each extendperpendicularly downward from the bottom side 105 of horizontal supportmember 102. In an embodiment, first stake 104 and second stake 106 arepositioned with respect to one another so as to trifurcate thehorizontal support member 102 into three equal portions; a first thirdportion, a middle third portion and a final third portion. Overall, thedevice is shaped like the Greek letter “π” (Pi). Middle support surface101 is shown braced with diagonal supports 109. Diagonal supports 109also support the top side 103 and bottom side 105 of horizontal supportmember 102. A logo 117 can also be placed on middle support surface 101.

First stake 104 and second stake 106 each is comprised of an elongatedmember 107 with a substantially pointed distal end 108 that is adaptedto penetrate and remain in the ground 300. The elongated member may havea circular, rectangular, or polygonal cross section. A projected member110, disposed toward each distal end 108 of stakes 104 and 106, servesto increase the frictional engagement between the stakes 104 and 106 andground 300, and provide resistance to uplifting forces. A secondprojected member 111 (not shown) can be located on stakes 104 and 106 onthe opposite side of projected member 110. The elongated member 107coupled with projected member 110 and second projected member 111 form“X” shaped cross sectional area for stakes 104 and 106. Stakes 104 and106 can also be equipped with stake flare supports 112 opposite distalend 108. Stake flare supports 112 ensure strong bond between horizontalsupport member 102 and stakes 104 and 106. The stake flare supports 112coupled with projected member 110 also increase the torsional rigidityof the stakes 104 and 106 to decrease risk of rotation of the horizontalsupport member 102 with respect to stakes 104 or 106. The hose and waterline support device 100 may be constructed from plastic, metal, wood, orother similarly semi-rigid material. The first and second stakes 104 and106 are adapted to secure the hose and water line support device 100 tothe ground 300.

The horizontal support member 102 has a plurality of integral retentionmechanisms 118A, 118B, 118C and 118D. The plurality of integralretention mechanisms 118A, 118B, 118C and 118D are each sized to receiveand secure a drip line, water line, and the like. In an embodiment,integral retention mechanisms 118A and 118B are located in the firstthird portion of the horizontal support member 102. Similarly, integralretention mechanisms 118C and 118D are located in the final thirdportion. Each integral retention mechanism 118A, 118B, 118C, 118Dconsists of a recessed channel 120 that is oriented perpendicular to thehorizontal member 102 and parallel to the ground 300 (Shown in FIGS. 3and 4). This recessed channel 120 forms a hollow, partially completecircle that has an entrance way. The entrance way consists of a pair ofcurved members 122 and 124 biased toward each other, and a recesschannel 120 accessible by an aperture 126 on the top side 103 of thehorizontal member 102.

The top surface 103 of the horizontal support member 102 has strikingsurface texture 119 located opposite the first and second stakes 104 and106 making the hose and water line support device 100 adapted to bestepped on or otherwise pressed downwardly. The striking surface texture119 also provides a user with a visual target to strike with a hammer orhis or her foot when driving stakes 104 and 106 into the ground 300 aswell as increase friction to prevent slippage of the hammer head or footwhen striking the hose and water line support device 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in operation, stakes 104 and 106 are pressedinto the ground 300 by apply pressure on striking surfaces 119. Wheninserted into the ground, the pair of stakes 104 and 106 resistrotational and torsional forces that may act against the hose and waterline support device 100. Next, the retaining mechanisms 118A, 118B, 118Cand 118D receive a tubular member therein, such as an irrigation hose130. Sufficient pressure is applied to the hose 130 in direction 132such that the walls of irrigation hose 130 are deformed in directions134 when passing through aperture 126 in retaining mechanism 118A. Oncethe hose 130 has passed through the aperture 126, the hose 130 returnsto its original configuration and rests securely within the recessedchannel 120.

The inclusion of multiple retention mechanisms 118 on the first thirdand the final third of the horizontal support member 102 provides theability to move drip lines after the hose and water line support device100 has been secured to the ground 300. More specifically, irrigationhoses 130 can initially be placed in support members 118B and 118C andthen as the irrigated trees and their roots grow beyond the location ofirrigation hoses 130, those irrigation hoses 130 can be moved fromsupport members 118B and 118C to 118A and 118D respectively to allowirrigation water to again reach the grown roots of the trees.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a first hose and water line support device 100is shown connected to a second hose and water line support device 100 byway of hose 130. The hose 130 is held sufficiently above ground 300 toenable nut 400 to pass underneath the hose 130 without interference fromthe hose 130. In addition, the act of holding hose 130 above or on theground reduces the likelihood of gopher damage to the hose 130.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a single hose and water line support device ofthe present invention is shown and generally designated 200. Hose andwater line support device 200 includes a body 202 formed with a hose orwater line receiving aperture 204 and having a reinforced surface 206 toprovide a region of the device 200 capable of withstanding the poundingof the device into the soil. The top of the reinforced surface 206 hastextured surface 205.

Extending away from body 202 are a pair of stakes 208 and 210 which aresubstantially parallel and spaced apart to define a channel 212. Thestakes 208 and 210 adjacent the inner edge of channel 212 are formedwith a reinforced rail 214 to provide additional strength to the device200 as it is inserted into the soil. The reinforced rail 214 extendsalong the inner surface of each stake 208 and 210 as well as theinterior wall 203 of aperture 204. Additionally, stakes 208 and 210 areformed with pointed tips 216 and 218 respectively to facilitate theplacement of the stakes into the soil 300.

From FIG. 6 it can be appreciated that stakes 208 and 210 can flex atbody 202 to an open position 220 (shown in dashed lines) to facilitatethe placement of the hose or water line within the device 200. With thisflexibility, a hose or water line 250 can be positioned on the ground,and the hose and water line support device 200 may be positioned overthe hose or water line, separated to accept the hose or waterline withinchannel 212 and into position within the aperture 204 of body 202.

In application, device 200 is used as shown in FIG. 7. A hose or waterline 250 is shown positioned in aperture 204 of device 200. In order toplace the hose or water line 250 into aperture 204, the stakes 208 and210 are first flexed to open position 220 as shown in FIG. 6. Onceflexed into the open position 220, the hose or water line 250 easily ispassed up through channel 212. The hose or water line 250 is thencompressed in direction 230 to enable the hose or water line 250 to passinto aperture 204. Next, the stakes 208 and 210 are placed into soil300, such as by pounding on the reinforced area 206 at textured surface205 of the device 200 driving it into the soil 300. It is not necessaryto completely bury stakes 208 and 210. The hose or water line 250 isheld securely within aperture 204 or device 200.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the hose and waterline support device generally designated 350. Hose and water linesupport device 350 comprises a horizontal support member 351 having atop side 352 and a bottom side 353 connected on opposite sides of amiddle support 354 such that the top side 352, middle support 354 andbottom side 353 form a typical I-beam configuration. A first stake 355extends perpendicularly downward from the bottom side 353 of horizontalsupport member 351. Middle support surface 351 is shown braced withdiagonal supports 360. Diagonal supports 360* also support the top side354 and bottom side 353 of horizontal support member 351.

Stake 355 is comprised of an elongated member, as was more fullydiscussed above, with a substantially pointed distal end that is adaptedto penetrate and remain in the ground.

The horizontal support member 351 has a plurality of integral retentionmechanisms 362 and 364 formed adjacent the top side 352, and 366 and 368formed adjacent the bottom side 353. The plurality of integral retentionmechanisms 362, 364, 366, 368 are each sized to receive and secure adrip line, water line, and the like. Each integral retention mechanism362, 364, 366, 368, as more fully described above, consists of arecessed channel that is oriented perpendicular to the horizontal member351 and parallel to the ground 300 (Shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).

As more fully discussed above, this recessed channel forms a hollow,partially complete circle that has an entrance way. The entrance wayconsists of a pair of curved members biased toward each other, and arecess channel accessible by an aperture 126 on the top side 103 of thehorizontal member 102. The placement of integral retention mechanisms366 and 368 on the bottom side 353 provide a measure of safety whenexcessive force is applied downward on a retained hose or water line,such as when stepped on or driven over with farming equipment. In thosecircumstances, the hose or water line can disengage from the integralretention device due to the deformation of the hose or water line toexit the recess channel. This avoids excessive forces being applied tothe hose and water line support device 350, thereby reducing breakage inthe field.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepresent invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the present invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe present invention and various embodiments with various modificationsas are suited to the particular use contemplated. While there have beenshown what are presently considered to be the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications can be made herein withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What we claim is:
 1. A support device comprising: a body formed with awater line receiving aperture and having a reinforced surface; and apair of stakes connected to and extending away from the body and whichare substantially parallel and spaced apart to define a channel with aninner edge.
 2. The support device of claim 1 further comprising areinforced rail that extends along the inner edge of the channel andalong an inner surface of each stake.
 3. The support device of claim 1wherein the reinforced surface of the body has a top textured surface.4. The support device of claim 1 wherein the stakes are formed withpointed tips to facilitate the placement of the stakes into the ground.5. The support device of claim 1 wherein the stakes can flex at the bodyto an opening position to facilitate the placement of the water linewithin the receiving aperture of the support device.
 6. A support devicecomprising: a body formed with a water line receiving aperture andhaving a reinforced surface; and a pair of stakes connected to andextending away from the body and which are substantially parallel andspaced apart to define a channel with an inner edge; and a reinforcedrail that extends along the inner edge of the channel and along an innersurface of each stake, wherein the stakes are formed with pointed tipsto facilitate the placement of the stakes into the ground.
 7. Thesupport device of claim 6 wherein the stakes can flex at the body to anopening position to facilitate the placement of the water line withinthe receiving aperture of the support device.
 8. 9.